For the second time in a week, the Clippers dropped a match in the last quarter that they controlled, and with a certain margin. They had wasted a 21-point lead against a fiery LeBron James and the Lakers.
There, in Milwaukee, a 15-point lead in the third quarter went up in smoke. Aggravating circumstance: Giannis Antetokounmpo was not there to do like James and turn the table.
” It's us. It's not a Giannis question. It's not about other teams, it's us.”, slide James Harden. “It’s clearly a match that we let slip away”recognizes Paul George. “We can't afford it, especially when Giannis isn't playing and we have the game in hand for the majority of the time. The fourth quarter got away from us. »
The two Los Angeles players were not helped by Kawhi Leonard, 0/4 shooting in the last act, to resist Damian Lillard and Bobby Portis, who scored 24 points in twelve minutes. Milwaukee won the last quarter by fifteen points, therefore the match, with great skill.
“It's obvious that Lillard can win a game single-handedly, like he did in this game. Portis took it up a notch and was huge. They put in some big shots at the end of the game”notes Leonard.
Unlike previous months, the Clippers no longer control
Except that, as against the Lakers, for the Clippers to see an opponent of this level make a last effort in the final minutes remains natural. It's up to Tyronn Lue's men to resist, to save the furniture despite the winning shots from the “King” or Lillard. But the Californian game then fell apart: only 35% shooting success in the last quarter in Wisconsin.
“They played zone defense for a lot of the second half and it took us out of rhythm a little bit”analyzes George. “That pushed us to play slower, to lose balls. There was indecision among us while they had the wind at their backs. »
Deprived of an energizer with Russell Westbrook's injury, the Clippers must regain the calm and control they displayed in December-January. During this period, the highlights of the other opponents never upset Leonard and his gang, who maintained the course and their rhythm whatever happened.
“That’s basketball”replies James Harden. “If we don't play well, if we don't take quality shots, lose the ball and give opportunities to the opponent, then things like that happen. »
